Today’s Reflection
THE INTERPLAY of light and darkness is one of the central themes of Advent, and in times of despair and depression, light can be a most welcome presence. Likewise, just as sunlight is dependable and consistent (the sun always rises!), people of faith regard the light as a sign of God’s faithfulness and mercy. br>
Every day is a gift. We do not create the world or make the sun rise or bring rain upon the earth. These are God’s mercies offered to us new each day.
—Todd Outcalt, Blue Christmas: Devotions of Light in a Season of Darkness (Upper Room Books, 2018)
Today’s Question
What serves as a sign for you of God’s faithfulness and mercy? Share your thoughts.
Today’s Scripture
“The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases,
his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.”
—Lamentations 3:22-23 (NRSV)
Prayer for the Week
God of Light, be my hope in this season. Submit your prayer to The Upper Room .
Something More
The Staff of The Upper Room invites you to join us for a virtual “Blue Christmas” worship service, also known as the “Longest Night” service. This service is especially designed to give voice and hope to those who are grieving or who are experiencing loss. Click here to watch the video and be sure to share it with a friend.
Lectionary Readings
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
Looking for lectionary-based resources? Learn more about The Upper Room Disciplines.
Sponsored by The Upper Room. Copyright © 2019 | PO Box 340004 | Nashville, TN 37203-0004 | USA
8 Comments
I experience God’s faithfulness and mercy especially in times of dispair cause I tend to rely on God completely for wisdom and strength. He has proven to be reliable and in control.
Thank you God for your faithfulness and mercy in good times as well as in times of dispair!
Blessings!
So glad to hear fr Marcy, April and Connie.
Keeping you in prayer and may we all experience God’s faithfulness and mercy at all times!
I will re-iterate an answer from previously this week – His Peace. It is unlike anything a person could possibly try to impart. When peace like a river…
What a blessing and encouragement to hear from new post-ers and recently quiet post-ers…each one brings a gift to this table. Thank you taking the time to post. May God continue to be with each of you.
Dad seemed to do well yesterday with the root canal. But during the procedure it was determined he will need another one in January (once the insurance rolls over to the new year) and will also need a tooth pulled next week. He keeps chugging along. He saw the Mister Rogers movie with my sister and her husband Tuesday evening. He said it was so very good. But there was a scene where Tom Hanks (Mister Rogers) was at his mother’s bedside as she neared death – and it really tore my dad up. He said he was immediately taken back to mom’s bedside – and he really couldn’t get control of his emotions for quite some time. I trust God to use those tears to bring dad a bit further along on this healing path. No tears are wasted – and God counts and holds each one.
May God’s comfort and peace companion each one who visits here.
The sunrise each day is a sign of the Lord’s faithfulness and mercies. Each is different and new. A promise of new and different beginnings for each day.
The beauty of nature is a sign of the Lord’s presence and faithfulness.
Indeed everyday is a gift.
So happy to hear from Connie, April and Marcy-
God’s mercy and faithfulness is apparent to me every day when I wake up and am given a new day. Work has been very busy for me as these “dark days” cause a great deal of seasonal depression for those in the Midwest. My work as a clinical psychologist is both draining and very rewarding. I pray for my patients struggling today. I pray for all of the UR faithful and I pray that God’s light shines strongly in your life today and that you have peace and hope today and everyday. God alone is our hope each new day. Thank you God for your blessing.
The kittens awaken and are in good health and hungry each day. This is my last prayer of each day and thanking God for this gift is my first.
Prayers for Jill and Larry and Larry’s continued dental work and grief.
Prayers for Mary as she continues to prepare for her mission trip.
Prayers for Lou, may she not be bogged down by work and the prevailing sorrow.
Prayers of welcome for Billie and Rick.
Prayers for Jeanna. Prayers for relief from health issues, relief from fear and a diffinitive diagnosis. May her family support her trough this trial. I have very similar issues.
Prayers for Connie, so good to hear from you and Chai is doing well thank you. Hope you are well.
Prayers for April and her family and warm holidaymemories made.
Prayers for dear Marcy. Please take care of yourself carefully this winter, especially until you get oxygen again. Prayers for dear Lucy.
Prayers for Robert and Erich, may they have a great holiday together.
Prayers and thank you UR
I think there are signs, the beauty of God’s creation is one, but I also am reminded that in Jesus’ time many looked for signs and Jesus told them, asked them how many did they need after all that had been done. We are asked to believe without signs. Jesus tells Thomas, you believe because you see the nail holes and wounds on me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing. I think the best signs come after belief and for me are invisible. They are like the first meeting of unborn Jesus and John the Baptist.
May you have signs because you believe. Thank You, Lord.
Prayers for Larry’s dental work and mourning, so thankful to read posts from Connie, Marcy, and April. Take very good care, God is with you. I have always wondered how clinical psychologists, psychiatrists, and others helping with mental problems have the ability to come to work each day. God has to be with you. Caregivers need support too.
Indeed, the light of a new day, Amazing sunsets and daily here in the UR. These serve as a sign for me of God’s faithfulness and mercy. Sharing Your Joys and concerns and prayers for all. It is a blessing and strengthens me in my work as a nurse and daily life. It leads me to be more active and Aware of where God is leading me. Grace and Peace to all of you.
Thank you and know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
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